Sherbet "şerbet" is the world's first soft drink. Ottoman Turks drank sherbet before and during each meal. There was no custom of drinking water during the meal; sherbet or compote taken in the end replaced the water in the Palaces. Sultans drank fruit juice, lime juice or a sherbet during meals. They used an embroidered porcelain or coconut shell spoon placed on a special open box.

Sherbet is also served during Ramadan in crystal bowls or in tall cut glasses, or ornamented (with gilt flowers) glasses with ice cubes or snow. The sherbet glasses should be placed on a tray covered with lace or a piece of embroidered cloth.

Sherbet is still a traditional cold drink in Turkey. It is believed that sherbet has healing effects. In the gardens of the Ottoman Palace, spices and fruits to be used in sherbets were grown up under the control of pharmacists and doctors of the Palace.

Traditionally cold sherbet is served on especially hot summer days to please visitors. Also at weddings or during childbirth to increase lactation of the mother. This type of sherbet is called "lohusa şerbeti (birth Sherbet)" which is crimson in colour and is flavoured with cloves and herbs.

Sherbet is made from fruit juices or extracts of flowers or herbs, combined with sugar, water and ice or snow. Depending on the season, types of fruit sherbets include; pear, quince, strawberry, apple, kizilcik (cornelian cherry), mulberries, pomegranate, bergamot, mint, strawberry, orange, etc. There is also a honey sherbet and a green coloured violets sherbet which is made by pounding violet-flowers and then boiling them with sugar.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a very special month for Turks. Two meals, one before sunrise (sahur) and one after sundown (iftar) are taken during Ramadan, referred to as the Sultan of all other eleven months. Throughout the month, the kitchen is in constant activity. Under the Ottomans, the varieties of courses increased during Ramadan at home. Inviting relatives and friends to the Iftar meal is still in tradition. Using good china, lace table cloths and all copper pots and pans are expected.

Happy Ramadan! I am going to post traditional Ottoman-Turkish recipes for Iftar and Sahur with menus during the Ramadan month, so check back often:)

Thanks for this lovely recipe, I'm going to pick some roses today from my garden. I can't wait for your recipes for ramadan, we are going to visit my husband's family in Turkey in 2 weeks time during ramadan & want to be able to make them something (If my mother-in-law lets me).Thank you

lovely posts and pictures! thank you for sharing your recipes... I have 1 question though about this sherbet drink (over here we called it 'Sharbat' ) the roses you used are so lovely pink! Can I use dried rose buds (like those sold in tea shops for tisanes) instead if I don't have fresh roses?

Happy Ramadan or as we said over here - 'Selamat Berpuasa' literally means Safe Fasting/Happy Fasting

Hi Pixen,Thank you:) I've never used dry rose buds.. so would you like to buy a little amount and give it a try, btw use hot water:) If I can find it here I definitely will try...and post the result here....Selamat Berpuasa!

hi binnur well im doing an international fair where my partner and I will be presenting Turkey, I really want to do this drink but by how much would you suggest I increse the ingredients to serve at least 45 or more people. PLEASE HELP! thanks

Binnur, is the drink that you traditionally serve after a baby is born called "loğusa şerbeti"?? I remember it is red color and you serve it to guest when they visit the new baby? what is the recipe for that? Thanks, Laura